Joe Chenoweth announced on Monday that he is resigning as athletic director at Santa Barbara High School to take a teaching position.
He said he is making the move to “spend more time with my family and hopefully coach my two younger kids as they journey to become Dons in their near future.”
Chenoweth faced several major challenges this year which included significant delays in construction at Peabody Stadium and the mid-season replacement of the Dons’ girls soccer coach.
“After eight years managing the athletic department, I have been blessed to work for a school with such rich tradition and pride within the Santa Barbara community,” he said in a prepared statement. “Being a Don carries weight in our community.
“I am grateful to have worked alongside such a dedicated coaching staff and group of young athletes who bring it every day to achieve their very best. The number of Channel League and CIF titles won over the years has been absolutely special and will continue to be lifelong memories for our athletes.
“However, more memorable will be the relationships our players will continue to develop with their teammates, coaches, counselors, teachers and staff.”
This year’s successes include a CIF-Southern Section championship in Division 3 boys water polo and an appearance in the Division 8 football final — its first appearance in the CIF finals since 1989.
The Dons won three other CIF-SS titles during Chenoweth’s tenure: Division 1 boys soccer in 2018, Division 2A boys basketball in 2016, and Division 3AA girls basketball in 2014.
Other Santa Barbara teams to reach the CIF-SS finals in the last eight years were girls water polo (Division 2 in 2018), boys soccer (Division 1 in 2016), boys volleyball (Division 2 in 2013) and boys water polo (Division 2 in 2012).
Chenoweth, a Santa Barbara native, graduated from Bishop Diego High and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska. He worked for the City of Santa Barbara, managing its adult and youth recreation programs, before succeeding Nan Verkaik as Santa Barbara High’s A.D. in May of 2012.
“One person in particular I would like to thank is Fran Strahl who has been the assistant athletic director for decades,” Chenoweth said. “Thank you Fran for your years of service and true dedication to the SBHS Athletic Department.”
email: mpatton@newspress.com
